George Farrugia's Sandown Tips

Thursday night's card at Sandown Park plays a role of the decent entree ahead this Saturday's bumper program at The Meadows for Week 1 of the Sportsbet Australian Cup Carnival. Though one thing doesn't change between them, there's winners to be found. George Farrugia has ran is eye over the staple Thursday night meeting at Sandown Park.

Summary of best bets

Race 8 No.7 Morning Boss

Race 10 No. 6 Joni Black

Race 11 No.4 Elite Intention

Race previews

Race 4:

Texas President (box one) has started to emerge as stayer of late and from the favourable draw he should lead and be tough to beat. His kennelmate Mepunga Donna (box five) has two handy placings at this track and distance and will be working home late, along with the underrated Greysynd Sammy (box eight)

Selections: 1. Texas President, 5. Mepunga Donna

Race 5:

Papa Easy (box five) is a handy provincial performer who can overcome his poor draw here. At his best he possesses nice early speed and if he leads here he may prove hard to catch. Slick Felix (box six) is arguably the most talented in the race so he cannot be dismissed despite the tricky box draw.

Selections: 5. Papa Easy, 6. Slick Felix

Race 8:

The enigmatic Morning Boss (box seven) is an exciting chaser when he’s at his best and his last few runs have been full of merit. He’s capable of sitting in a nice position on the first corner and from there he looms as a huge threat.

Selections: 7. Morning Boss

Race 9:

Overland Boy (box one) has a quick PB over the 515 metres at Sandown and despite no wins from three attempts at this distance he looks to be very well-graded and well boxed. Paw Torrie (box five) and Champlain (box seven) were impressive in their last starts and looks the main dangers despite jumping from out wide.

Selections: 1. Overland Boy, 5. Paw Torrie

Race 10:

Joni Black is a talented middle-distance performer and when she leads over this trip she is generally tough to get past. She should get some room early and can handle a wide draw. Mepunga Breeze (box seven) is starting to hit his straps and will be suited by the rise in distance.

Selections: 6. Joni Black

Race 11:

Elite Intention’s last three runs have been impressive and along with a solid record at Sandown looks one of the better bets of the night. He can lead or come from behind and he can overcome box four. Lamia Wheeze (box one) has some nice speed and looks a handy place bet.

Selections: 4. Elite Intention, 1. Lamia Wheeze